Western States Endurance Run already looking like a race for the ages in 2026

As the 2025 season starts to wind down, the speculation starts as to what the highlights of next year’s ultrarunning campaign will be.

And very near the top of the last has to be the 2026 version of the Western States Endurance Run given what we know so far.

The 100-mile classic has always one of the season’s biggest events – especially Stateside – but it’s shaping up to be something extra special.

Kilian set to return

Caleb Olson, Chris Myers and the great Kilian Jornet made it a race for the ages as they filled the men’s 2025 podium at Western States.

Olson crossed the line on the track at Placer High School in 14 hours, 11 minutes and 25 seconds – the second fastest time ever despite the searing heat and just a couple of minutes off the 2019 course record of Jim Walmsley.

But Myers pushed him all the way and no one was finishing quicker than Jornet after a pacing masterclass on what was his first appearance since his win in 2011. That victory came after he was third on debut the previous year – could history repeat itself in 2026?

Jornet has indicated he is returning – as have seven of the top 10 from last year who all get an invite, though Olson and Myers have other plans.

All of the top 10 are back

And it’s an even better story in the women’s race as every one of the top 10 has said they’ll be back in 2026.

That obviously includes the top two from this season – Abby Hall and Fuzhao Xiang.

Hall’s success was a fairytale one as she bounced back from what had seemed a career-threatening knee injury.

Several other big names – including Tara Dower – have booked their spots via the first two Golden Ticket races, Javelina 100 Miler in her case. The latest registered entrants list can be found here.